GOVERNMENT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
BOARD OF ETHICS AND GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTABILITY
Office of Government Ethics
Darrin P. Sobin, Director
Ashley D. Cooks, Attorney
Volume 3
Issue 1
January 2016
Ethically Speaking
The BEGA/OGE Newsletter
BEGA Happenings ―
Council confirms the Mayor’s nomination of Carol Schwartz to join BEGA as one of the two minority party Board members (the Board was increased to five members on October 1, 2015 when the new BSA became effective). Ms. Schwartz is a former long-time Councilmember with a long history of public service to the District
Message from the Director ―
Approving Contractor time sheets – Recently I received a report that District employees in one agency sometimes approve time-sheets for on-premises contractors that do not always reflect actual hours worked (rounding up, awarding vacation time or leave). Although these supervising employees may be motivated only by a sense of generosity or relationship building, this type of conduct is nonetheless illegal and unethical. Please remember that we all have an ethical obligation to safeguard government property and resources. This includes accurate time and leave reporting by employees and contractors alike. Don’t be generous with someone else’s money.
- Darrin P. Sobin, Director
Advisory Opinions ―
BEGA released its 2015 Best Practices Report on December 31, 2015 (Read the Report)
Request for Comments sought on Draft Advisory Opinion on The Meaning of the Phrase “Devoted Substantially” in DPM § 1807.4 (Read the Advisory Opinion)
BEGA issues Advice Regarding District Employees Running for a Political Office, “Local Hatch Act, Testing the Waters of Candidacy” (Read the Advisory Opinion)
Upcoming Events ―
January 14, 2016 - BEGA Monthly Board Meeting - 441 4th St. NW, Suite 540 South.
January 27, 2016 - Ethics Training - Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs.
Ethics In the News ―
Virginia Lawmakers Reject Ethics Reform (Read more)
Legislators Impose New Rules for Lobbying State Officials (Read more)
Missouri Lawmakers Toughen Ethics Laws Read more
Federal Office of Government Ethics Amends Gift Rule (Read more)
The U.S. Office of Special Counsel (OSC) Issues Guidance on Social Media Usage and the Hatch Act (Read more)
Good to Know – Post Employment
Pursuant to 6B DCMR § 1811.5, “[a] former government employee shall be prohibited for two (2) years after terminating District government employment from knowingly acting as an attorney, agent, or representative in any formal or informal matter before an agency if he or she previously had official responsibility for that matter.”
If you have any questions, we can be reached at 202-481-3411, or through our website at www.bega-dc.gov